Van Halen’s ‘Tattoo’ Released 5 Years Ago Today

A 30-second “teaser” clip of the song was posted on January 6, 2012. The full single was released online and to radio stations January 10, 2012, after Van Halen played an intimate club gig at the Cafe Wha?. It became the band’s first single to chart on the American Billboard Hot 100 in 17 years, and their 23rd overall.

Reception to “Tattoo” was mixed, in large part because everyone expected the first single to be a flat-out ballbreaker, like pretty much all the other tracks on the album. But “Tattoo” is a good song with a catchy hook, and is instantly recognizable as Van Halen – one of the band’s many gifts.

Yet, the fact that the band front-loaded A Different Kind of Truth with “Tattoo” and released it as the first single was a bit controversial. Half the fan base liked it, and half didn’t.

Once the full album was released, though, most fans – even the ones who liked it – would rank it at near the bottom of the album. Some even regarded it as the weakest track on the disc — one which they usually skip over to play the rest of the album all the way through. In fact, our own poll (with over 54,000 votes) had “Tattoo” ranked second to last out of 13 songs! (See our fan poll ranking on the new songs here). A curious choice for a lead single – and the first taste of Roth-fronted VH since “Me Wise Magic” and “Can’t Get This Stuff No More.”

The riff is based on an unreleased song called “Down in Flames,” known by fans from several early live recordings. (A studio version of “Down in Flames”does not exist). Although we’d say “Tattoo” is definitely not simply a revamped version of “Down in Flames” — the two songs don’t sound much alike at all.

The song finishes with a volume-swelled ending that tips the hat to “Down in Flames” and “You’re No Good” from Van Halen II.

VHND Exclusive: Here’s a graphic the band made for “Tattoo” that was never used.

David Lee Roth’s Hand-Written Lyrics

Here’s something special that we received directly from David Lee Roth! These are Dave’s hand-written lyrics and graphics for “Tattoo.” A rare glimpse into the unique style and mind of Diamond Dave!

Official Video

“Tattoo” Video Shoot

Rare behind-the-scenes photos from Van Halen’s video shoot for “Tattoo.” Thanks to Dave for the black and white photo, and Wolf for the color photo.

A Different Kind of Truthwas released in the U.S. by Interscope Records on February 7th, 2012. The album is Van Halen’s first original studio album with singer David Lee Roth since the band’s diamond certified album 1984.

The band’s 2012 tour kicked off February 18th in Louisville, Kentucky.